Probation

Purpose
Probation may be imposed to advise a resident of his/her need to correct behavioral deficiencies, including violations of University of Arizona or ABOR policies, violations of rules of a training site, or rules or statutes governing conduct of physicians practicing medicine in the State of Arizona following a finding of 'just cause.' Additionally, probation may be imposed to advise a resident of deficiencies in academic performance below a minimally acceptable standard at his/her level of training. These probation procedures apply only to residents after they have been accepted and begin participating in a residency program. The terms of any probation established as a condition of acceptance into a residency program will be specifically set forth in the resident's initial employment agreement. In such an event, the contractual provisions will govern.

Procedures

1. Following a determination by the Program Director that just cause exists to place a resident on probation, the Program Director or Department Head will notify the resident in a private meeting with the Program Director or Department Head of the decision to impose probation.
   
   
2. The Program Director or Department Head will provide the resident with a written Notice of Action stating that the resident previously has received a notice of the intention to place him or her on probation, which includes an explanation of the specific bases for the decision.
   
   
3. A period of probation will begin as of the date of the Notice of Action if the resident consents to such action. If the resident does not consent, and requests a meeting to challenge the decision, the effective date of the probation will be on the date the decision becomes final. Probation will last no longer than six (6) consecutive months, during which a resident will receive his/her regular compensation.
   
   
4. The Program Director or Department Head will provide the resident written requirements to improve the resident's performance and state the terms of the probation.
   
   
5. During the probation period, the Program Director or Department Head will make efforts to offer guidance, counseling and supervision to aid the resident in correcting the deficiencies with the acknowledged goal of retaining him/her in the program. It will, however, remain the resident's responsibility to correct the deficiencies.
   
   
6. The resident’s personnel records will reflect all periods during which s/he was on probation.
   
   
7. The Program Director will notify the resident of his/her right to request a meeting to review the decision to place him/her on probation by including a copy of these Due Process Guidelines with the Notice of Action.
   
   
8. If it is determined that the resident successfully met the terms of the probation period, the Program Director or the Department Head will provide the resident with a written notice of successful completion of probation, place a copy of such notice in the resident’s personnel file, and forward a copy of the notice to the GME Office.
   
   
9. If it is determined that the resident has failed to meet the terms of a probationary period, the Program Director or the Department Head will provide the resident a written notice to initiate procedures to take further disciplinary action.
   
   
10. The Program Director or Department Head may recommend or institute other forms of discipline during a period of probation, if just cause warrants such action.

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